Everyday Magic: The Adventures of Alfie Blackstack

“’She doesn’t really pickle boys, does she?’ Gertrude laughed nervously. ‘Zita can get a bit grumpy. Perhaps avoid talking to her, or looking at her, or drawing her attention in any way.’ That didn’t sound too good. ‘What about her bat?’ asked Alfie. ‘Magnus? Oh, he prefers tomato juice to blood these days, so you should be all right. Just watch your eyes.’ ‘My eyes?’ ‘It’s probably best to keep your glasses on,’ warned Gertrude. ‘Eyes are a favourite snack of bats.’” Everyday Magic is a book for younger readers by award-winning British author, Jess Kidd. When each of his parents perishes in unfortunate (and stupid) accidents, nine-year-old Alfie Blackstack is sent to live with his father’s younger sisters. Gertrude and Zitalina Blackstack live in Switherbroom Hall, a large old house in the woods near Little Snoddington, where Gertrude runs the Chemist’s Shop and Zita concocts the remedies. Alfie has already heard the rumours that his aunts are witches, and Gertrude (the friendly aunt) confirms it with a bit of magic when she takes Alfie to Mrs Mention’s Tea Room. She warns Alfie about Zita (the scary aunt) and her Familiar. Gertrude is pleased to see Calypso Fagan pass by the tearoom: it means that Fagan’s Family Circus is in town, and Calypso is Alfie’s age, so perhaps the friendless boy will finally have a friend. Even if things get off to s slightly rocky start, after Alfie helps Calypso find her missing little sister, Nova, their friendship is sealed. Then, in the village where nothing happens, Nova is kidnapped and imprisoned in a snow-globe by an imp and Aunt Zita falls foul of the Head Witch and is put into witch prison. With their meagre knowledge of magic and spells, Alfie and Calypso need to find Zita and release Nova. This is a tale that will certainly entertain younger readers who will delight in the witches and their Familiars, the magic, the scary bits, the nastiness and the ultimate triumph of the good guys. What could be more fun than witches who have upgraded from brooms to vacuum cleaners? What could be scarier than Snakes and Ladders over a crocodile pool? A fun read.